Maxillary Excess
A skeletal condition in which the maxilla is positioned or developed beyond normal limits in the sagittal, vertical, or transverse plane.
Full Definition
Maxillary excess describes an abnormal forward (sagittal), downward (vertical), or lateral (transverse) development of the maxilla relative to the cranial base and the mandible. Sagittal maxillary excess is identified by an elevated SNA angle and contributes to Class II skeletal and dental relationships. Vertical maxillary excess results in increased lower facial height, lip incompetence, and open bite tendency. Treatment may involve orthopedic restraint with headgear during growth or surgical impaction of the maxilla in adults. Editors should distinguish 'maxillary excess' from 'dentoalveolar protrusion,' which refers to the forward inclination of teeth without necessarily indicating underlying skeletal excess.
Usage
Usage note: Qualify with the plane of excess (sagittal, vertical, or transverse) for precision in clinical reports.
In Context
- "Cephalometric analysis confirmed vertical maxillary excess as the primary driver of the patient's gummy smile." — Surgical planning document
- "Sagittal maxillary excess with a normal mandibular position was treated with high-pull headgear during the pubertal growth spurt." — Case report